What is a guardianship of the incompetent?

A guardianship of the incompetent is a legal arrangement in which one person (called a guardian) is appointed by a court to take on the legal and financial responsibilities for another person who is not able to take care of their own needs (called the incompetent). This type of guardianship is regulated by guardianship laws in the state of Washington and is generally reserved for individuals who, due to mental or physical limitations, cannot make informed decisions on their own. The guardian is responsible for making sure the incompetent person’s needs are met and that they are cared for properly. This includes managing their finances, making legal decisions on their behalf, arranging for appropriate medical care, and providing general supervision to prevent any potential harm to the incompetent person. In Washington state, a court must first determine that a person is legally incompetent before a guardianship can be established. This usually requires medical testimony from a doctor or other qualified medical professional. After a guardianship is established, the guardian must report regularly to the court and inform them of the incompetent person’s status. If an incompetent person regains competency, then the guardianship can be terminated. However, if someone passes away, then the guardianship ends automatically. Guardianship of an incompetent person is a serious responsibility and should only be undertaken when absolutely necessary. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney before taking on a guardianship arrangement of an incompetent person in Washington.

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What is a guardianship of the incompetent?

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